self-governance

noun

self-gov·​er·​nance ˌself-ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s How to pronounce self-governance (audio)

Examples of self-governance in a Sentence

despite pessimistic predictions, self-governance has worked out well for the former colony
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since first taking office in 1991, the veteran Democrat has introduced or supported every major push for D.C. statehood and expanded self-governance, arguing that the city's more than 700,000 residents deserve the same rights as other Americans. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Douglas County is trying to do something no other Colorado county has done in nearly 50 years — adopt home-rule authority that would give the conservative bastion south of Denver more autonomy and powers of self-governance. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 June 2025 Governments should also concern themselves with encouraging the economic arrangements that best enable democratic self-governance and serve to buttress civic life. Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 The schools were seeking to defend free speech, promote university self-governance and join together against political intervention. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-governance

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-governance was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Self-governance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-governance. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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